Discussion of Vagabond Volumes 10-12 with Merphy Napier

Merphy Napier joins me for another discussion of the manga Vagabond, by Takehiko Inoue! This time, we tackle the fourth Vizbig bind up, which includes volumes ten, eleven, and twelve.
Previous discussions can be found on Vagabond playlists on my channel and on Merphy's second channel, ‪@merphynapierreviews‬.

[@merphynapier42]

My fav discussion we've had to date! Thank you again for having me Philip!

[@notrixamoris3318]

Please reas the promised neverland and my hero academia...

[@yogitapandya368]

We need a one piece volumes discussion with both of you🔥

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I love how these discussions increase my appreciation for the story! My thanks to you, Merphy, for your wonderful company and insights!

[@ryanfebrianto8973]

28:23 is that Kokou no Hito (the climber) by Sakamoto Shinichi?

[@KalleVilenius]

That rusty nail has been the most powerful enemy in the series so far. How do you fight an enemy like tetanus? Nature will go on to provide even greater challenges to Musashi in the future.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I look forward to those challenges! Cheers, Kalle!

[@wumbojet]

Mr. Inoue is one of, if not the best manga artist when the human form is concerned, his ability to depict human emotion through line work and posing is almost unmatched in manga and comics in general. The one person who I'd argue does this equally as great is Kentaro Miura, the author of Berserk, but Miura's true strength is depicting grotesque, otherworldly sights that are almost impossible to conceptualize and using them to make gorgeous art pieces with an exhaustive amount of detail. Both of them are unmatched in their ability to create humanity in a character purely via their expression and telling significant parts of their stories beautifully sometimes with basically no words.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That is high praise, Daniel, and I agree with you as far as Inoue is concerned. I still haven't read Berserk, but that experience awaits me at some point in the future. Cheers!

[@wumbojet]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy berserk is cruel and horrifying in a beautiful way, when the time comes I'm excited to hear your thoughts!

[@newturn77]

My take on Matahachi’s mother is that people like her always know deep down what is true but they are unwilling, holding onto empty grudges to avoid accountability and to avoid accepting truths. These discussions has been something I look forward to every week, if I may Philip I would like to suggest a Manga called Golden Kamuy which is based during the aftermath of the Russo- Japanese war, it follows a soldier and a Ainu child ( indigenous tribes of Japan) who are in search of the tribal gold, it coveys the beauty and sorrow of the disappearing tribal culture of the Ainu people, while samurai’s of bygone era fight on holding to their sword in an era where guns dominate the battlefield we also uncover past of soldiers and their motivations during this journey where shifting alliances is the norm.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Well said about Matahachi's mother! Also, thank you for the recommendation. It sounds fascinating, and I have long been curious about the Ainu. Cheers!

[@newturn77]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I never knew of the Ainu but I became really fascinated by them after i started reading the manga. There are more historical fiction mangas which you may come across on your manga journey.

[@R7dman]

I LOVE THESE DISCUSSIONS!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much!

[@kalebbrown7896]

Fax🙏

[@kalebbrown7896]

Fax🙏

[@TomOrange]

These Discussions make following along great!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the experience!

[@Overrated1987]

I'm so happy to get a volume to volume discussions by you two, on one of my very favourite stories. Vinland Saga one was amazing as well and I'm excited to see what you will do next.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I’m enjoying these discussions with Merphy tremendously, and it’s great to be reading some excellent stories.

[@Leonzannanera]

Yes, Vagabond will be a crescendo all the way, cant wait for the next video each time

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That sounds amazing to me!

[@ianvargas4623]

I’ve been rereading this series alongside you both and it’s been really enjoying to see your guys discussions!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the discussions! 😊

[@oscarchavezavellan2738]

Hey Phillip and Merph, loving your discussions. Just wanted to also give you guys another angle to the whole metaphor of the mountains. The master of the yagyu tells Musashi that invisible is a mere word because, if such a thing existed, then that would mean that there's a top and that, once that top is reached, there's nowhere to go from there which is untrue, there is always room for improvement and betterment of one's self you can always go higher, you can always get better and perfect what others might think is already perfect. The mountains are also a metaphor of sorts of this idea, even though you can reach the top of what looks as the highest mountain once you get there you'll find out that there are bigger and more challenging mountains for you to climb, the journey of self improvement is one of endless wonders and even when you think you have reached your best self the moment you get that idea you realize how much you can still improve, like clouds clearing the view for you to see higher mountains to climb.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Very well said, Oscar! I agree with your interpretations of the mountains, which are a rich and highly suggestive symbol that has multiple meanings. Cheers!

[@Ize19]

I definitely agree. It reminds me of my favorite Tony Gwynn quote: "Once you think you're where you want to be, you aren't there anymore."

[@vichychoco369]

Building on that metaphor, if you reach the top of a mountain and realize there are even higher hights to climb sometimes you have to change your path in order to get there, similarily in order to improve yourself, the way you go about it also matters, and you might have to start from the beginning if you find the way you go about it now doesn't bring you where you want to go

[@user-vz8st7fc2d]

Shinmen Munisai He was a Goushi, a mix of Rural Peasant and Samurai, he was the one who gave the first lessons on how to use a Katana to his son

[@twal-wo6yh]

Great discussion. Soon, you two will meet Sasaki Kojiro. Can't wait.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I look forward to the meeting!

[@doggygod]

here early. some of the story really picks up here. love you guys. cheers

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! Your support means the world!

[@patghaly8855]

these discussions are the highlight of my week!! the next few volumes are going to blow you away

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much, Pat! I'm excited for what's to come -- I'm starting the fifth bind up today!

[@sloopgamer1730]

Can't wait for the next Vizbig volume of the manga, there starts prob my fav stretch of Vagabond

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m reading it now - there are some epic scenes so far!

[@eurekmazino1183]

I'm not sure if you guys are aware of who Sasaki kojiro was historically. I think knowing who Kojiro was would make this read very exciting. You guys are in for a surprise the next vol lol

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I get the feeling that Kojiro was very famous in his lifetime, but I don't know the details. Sounds like I'll be learning something!

[@eqs1782]

It's been a long time since I read this series and seeing your reviews has encourage to reread Vagabond.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll enjoy the reread!

[@t3cchan]

Great discussion as always you two! You are both able to articulate the themes of the story so well, and these videos are deepening my love for Vagabond

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Terry! I'm glad the discussions are helpful for you!

[@notrixamoris3318]

Epic thumnail Philip...

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! 😄

[@matthewschneller3587]

Great review! No one else goes this in-depth.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you enjoyed the discussion!

[@ridhwankamarulzaman8789]

I reread Vagabond just to follow these discussions, great discussions to listen in on while i commute to work.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the discussions!

[@trill_nathan]

I reread the series for the first time last year. I think you'll appreciate the next 3 volumes a lot

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

There seems to be a lot of love for volumes 13-15!

[@BrendanPatrickGrace]

Thank you to both of you for these conversations. They're what got me to the door of wanting to try manga at a reasonable starting place, but Vagabond's gonna have to wait for a little bit. My friend (we're both in our early-mid 30's) is the English voice dub for Ketil (I'm assuming middle-age ish based on IMDB) coming up in Vinland Saga season 2. That series will take precedence, but Vagabond won't hopefully be too far behind.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s very cool about your friend voicing Ketil, who is indeed middle-aged. I hope you’ll enjoy Vinland Saga!

[@DoUnicornsRead]

Thank you, Philip, for ensuring that I have some studio entertainment! You've been essential in keeping my mind alert while, in keeping with the Asian theme, I paint some lotus flowers.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautiful! I'm delighted to serve as studio entertainment, and I hope that the creative energy is flowing from you to the canvas!

[@DoUnicornsRead]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasyIndeed, some creative energy flow was achieved. You make an excellent studio buddy!😄

[@WhiskeyJackRake]

came to this channel because i’ve just read malazan only to find out you’re reading one of my favourite manga of all time. love your content and you’ve just hit a major turning point in the story where everything just keeps on getting better and better, hope you enjoy where it goes !

[@WhiskeyJackRake]

also considering malazan, among other series that chooses to depict sexual violence in a rather graphic way, i must say inoue’s subtlety is a bit of fresh air. the moment where kohei pins rindo and you can see his realisation of her fear is incredibly powerful to me. two victims of SA and the overall cycle of violence being able to bond felt extremely special, and was handled with so much class

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I have to agree with the fan consensus that the series gets better and better. I just finished volumes 13-15, and I’m all in!

[@WhiskeyJackRake]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy love to hear it! i’ve missed the other vids so assuming you’re going through the vizbig binds of 3 volumes each? either way looking forward to the next videos and one arc particularly in the future

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@WhiskeyJackRake Yes, we’re discussing one Vizbig bind up with each video. We are going to be chatting about the fifth one today, in fact, and that discussion will be out on Merphy’s channel on Tuesday!

[@byronharris3580]

good stuff

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much, Byron!

[@romitalia3088]

I really enjoy these discussions. They’ve also pushed me to read in parallel to you. What did you think of Sekishusai’s answer : “It’s merely a word”? Sorry if you had talked about it, I might’ve missed it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I thought it was a good answer, and some wisdom that Musashi needed to hear. I'm not sure he really understood, though. Perhaps one day it will sink in for him. I'm glad you enjoy the discussions!

[@romitalia3088]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thank you for your response!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@romitalia3088 My pleasure! 😊

[@Dogflamingo]

Takuan meeting Sekishusai reminded me of Thorfinn meeting Canute in the farmland arc. At first Takuan/Thorfinn just seem like your average bloke but turns out they know some super important people (Thorfinn knows Canute, Takuan knows Sekishusai and now Musashi) Also Philip got the best thumbnails

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s a very cool parallel! There are so many good ones between Vagabond and Vinland Saga. Also, I’m glad you like the thumbnails! 😊

[@laazro]

Great thumbnail as usual ❤

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! 😄

[@nikgokuhil]

I would love a whole story about Kami Izumi Ise no Kami Hidetsuna

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yes! What a powerful presence, and I am sure he didn't begin as so enlightened.

[@kitoudark]

Love the video, guess the next video is going to be a short one 😢

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Oh? I am very curious to see what's coming!

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

I’m rather late to the party on this one… When Otsu was sat crying after playing the bamboo flute, I had a thought: is character art characterization? The way her mouth is set when frowning, the wrinkling of her eyebrows, the way her hands are clenched, the way she is seated, is this characterization? I can’t tell you exactly in words how these details tell me more about her, but with their specific portrayal I feel I know Otsu more, somehow. And in general, how characters carry themselves in their walk and posture, the look(s) on their face etc. What do you think? Is that style of characterization enough to compete with the richness of say a novel? Surely not on its own, but I’m curious to how much of a factor it is in the equation. Btw, great discussion, you and Murphy may be relatively new to manga, but you’re both reading it like pros. Such rich imagery to read into. I’m blown away by the creative, expressive and bold layout of the panels on the page(s) as well. You just don’t see panel layouts like this in other manga

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I’m enjoying manga tremendously so far. I completely agree with the notion that characterization in manga happens as much (even more?) visually as through text. It’s a real skill that I’m sure is much harder to master than most people realize. Cheers!

[@themangastand8475]

Will you guys do berserk next

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I will try Berserk someday! Cheers!

[@yuizaift8940]

I'm curious about what you guys think about Vizbig Volume 5 (14 and 15)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm starting it today! Next Tuesday, the discussion of it should be out on Merphy's channel. Cheers!

[@HotshotMC]

There is a free soloing scene in Naruto hahaha

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Definitely a manga theme, it seems!

[@kris1123259]

Am I alone in thinking Rindo was sexually abused by the real Baiken?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I had not thought of that, but it seems like a possibility.

[@niconicz7137]

Do character study on chainsaw man please!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I haven't met him yet, but he sounds interesting!

[@niconicz7137]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasyit's the main character in another manga titled Chainsaw man by Tatsuki fujimoto, there are a lot of interesting characters and symbolism in there hope you and merphy will enjoy btw i love what you're doing in Vagabond i just finished reading it and waiting for your thoughts on Sasaki Kojiro arc.